Which Is The Easiest Gorilla Trekking Family In Rwanda  

The easiest gorilla trekking family to trek in Rwanda of the so far 12 gorilla families is hard to determine. The gorilla family that was the closest the previous day may be the furthest the next day due to circumstances prevailing in the wilderness.

Some of the Rwanda gorilla trekking families include Amahoro, Umubano, Agashya, Muhoza, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Susa and others. Gorilla trekking families of Rwanda are allocated randomly so it is hard to determine which one you are be given. More gorilla trekking families of Rwanda are still under habituation program.

No matter the gorilla family allocated to you during gorilla trekking in Rwanda, open your mind to it because each has amazing traits. The mountain gorillas of Rwanda spend some time in the valley or deep in the valleys so you are expected to hike which makes gorilla trekking in Rwanda quite steep.

Where to do Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park a primeval rain forest lies in North western Rwanda and is one of the famous Virunga forests which are homes to the only living mountain gorillas in the world. 

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park starts early morning with briefing at the ORTPN where detailed information about how to behave before, when with and after meeting these primates is communicated.

As a biosphere reserve, Volcanoes forest is the prime primate habitant in Rwanda hosting the golden monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and others. Some of these primates come into view while searching to find the mountain gorillas.

More than 200 bird species are recoded as residents of Volcanoes forest including Albertine rift endemics. Multitudes of natural tree species and other rare plants rarely seen

Tips For Gorilla Trekking Safari In Rwanda

• Pack and wear the right gorilla trekking gears as the jungle has some rough surfaces that may hurt you.
• Maintain some level of fitness before gorilla trekking to enable you walk into the Volcanoes forest and hike the highlands that form the topography of this area. At times the gorillas spend time in the valleys or at the uplands so you have to follow them by hiking.
• Report for gorilla trekking early morning to for document verification and attend briefing which is compulsory for every tourist.
• Do not forget your gorilla permit because you may be penalized. Carry the right personal documents to use for verification before gorilla trekking.
• Volcanoes National Park is al a high altitude so find out if you are affected by changes in altitude so that you can find the best solution.
• Do not forget to pack energy snacks in your backpack, drinking water bottle and other light refreshments to enjoy during the breaks.
• Keep up with the gorilla trekking rules as these have been proved to be helpful to get and see the mountain gorillas.

Best Time For Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

The dry season is best time for going gorilla trekking in Rwanda with expectations of lesser precipitation in the dense forest. The dry season which is normally June to September and December to January is characterized by more sun light sipping through the dense leaves to the ground. The trails of Volcanoes forest are drier and quicker to navigate while searching to find the mountain gorillas in the dry season.

Mountain gorillas and most of the other forest dweller keep most of the time closer to the ground giving tourists better chances of identifying them. Even when taking photos in the wilderness, there is more light sipping through creating a favorable ambience to take nature inspired photos.

Note that more tourists destined to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda are expected during the dry season there fore creating high competition for the limited number of gorilla permits and other safari logistics.

The wet season is fine too for gorilla trekking in Rwanda that is normally March to May and November.

What Are The Chances Of Finding Mountain Gorillas During Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

• Seeing gorillas during gorilla trekking is guaranteed no matter the season in Rwanda. During the dry season, the mountain gorillas move freely in the forest while in the wet season, they spend most of the time in sheltered spots of the forest.
• Even though mountain gorillas are unrestricted, there bulky sizes bar them from covering a large area and is why tourists catch up with them during gorilla trekking.
• The family of mountain gorillas stages its feeding location in a particular spot and can only leave when food becomes insufficient, provoked by intruders, have an adventurous leader and much more. This is why trekkers are able to find the mountain gorillas.
• With the help of early risers who follow up at dawn to find where the mountain gorillas spent the night, estimate the direction they may take for the day and communicate with headquarters. This is one of the few clues to follow when searching for the mountain gorillas.
• Tourists also participate in searching for the mountain gorillas by following the clues they live behind like fresh foot prints, listen carefully for their calls and much more. Finally, when you find the mountain gorillas do follow the guidelines of gorilla trekking.
• Maintain some level of patience during gorilla trekking so that you can finally get to meet the mountain gorillas.

How Long Is Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes unknown time however some tourists have confirmed seeing the gorillas in 30 minutes as others three quarters of the day. No matter the time you take on gorilla trekking, the moment you locate them is exciting and you are likely to forget the challenges encountered along the way.

The location of the mountain gorillas is influenced by several factors including food proximity, mood in the gorilla family, adventurous nature of the dominant silverback, level of fitness of trekker and more.

Maintain the zeal you had of finally going gorilla trekking no matter the challenges you encounter along the way. The adorable look of the mountain gorillas may cause you to forget the fatigue you may be feeling and admire their presence. 

For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, only one hour of viewing is allowed with them but use it to the best of your interests to preserve and protect memories of this adventure.

Can Mountain Gorillas Turn Violent During Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

Mountain gorillas by nature are not violent primates but can charge when over provoked. Do not panic when you notice some peculiar behavior amongst the mountain gorillas because it may be an internal conflict. Just like in humans, mountain gorillas also experience family feud or may be try to tease visitors.

The ranger guide in the company of the tourists does observe the situation amongst the gorilla family members and offer advise on how to deal with it in order not to escalate the situation. In case she or he notices that the situation may go out of hand, tourists may be requested to step back or leave.

Ensure to adhere to the new instructions offered by the ranger guide in order to exhaust time allowed with the mountain gorillas and take photos to keep as memories of this African safari adventure.

Mountain gorillas are basically vegetarians that may have no reason for pouncing on humans so do not expect them to reach out and grab you.

What To Expect on Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

• Expect to hike in order to locate the mountain gorillas of Rwanda because Volcanoes National park landscape is composed of several highlands where the gorilla families may spend part of their day. Volcanoes National Park has five of the six significant Virunga Volcanoes that is Mountain Gahinga, Muhavura, Bisoke, Karisoke and Sabyinyo.  
• The trails of Volcanoes National park are obstructed by several creepers that drape down the tree trunks however while searching for the mountain gorillas, the ranger guide with a machete uses it to trip part of them.
• Open your mind to searching for the mountain gorillas because you are not sure of the time to locate them. They are very mobile primates however be sure to find them.
• The demand for gorilla trekking permits for Rwanda is overwhelming during the dry season so expect to find competition and fewer gorilla permits especially at the last minute. Even the safari logistics choices for gorilla safaris get slimmer as the peak season opens.
• Trails with in Volcanoes National Park are wet most times from the rain that falls at unpredictable times and at times lasts an entire day. Carry some water proof rain gears and wear warm safari attire too.
• Expect to see other forest inhabitants including several other mammals like forest elephants, duikers and more. An array of birds from the over 200 recorded bird species cross your path while searching to find the mountain gorillas and keen birders can ably identify some of them.
• The point of briefing before gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well organized with a blend of nature inspired designs and a mixture of modern materials.
• The life of mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park is driven by nature even though they are habituated. The mountain gorillas still have their natural traits and not under human instructions just like those that survive in confinements.

How Easy Or Hard Is Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda has quite some challenges because of the nature of the terrain of Volcanoes National Park. The mountain gorillas may take part of their day on the slopes or deep in the valleys so you have to follow them too.
• On the way, you may come across obstructing creepers which you have to push to may way to the next step if the ranger guide doesn’t trim them. There are some rough surfaces in the jungle like stinging nettles that may cause discomfort on your skin when in the jungle.
• Stinging insects and other buzzing insects are common in the wilderness when searching for mountain gorillas so apply a suitable insect repellent.
• No toilet structure in the wilderness during gorilla trekking so prepare in advance or request the ranger guide to dig a hole for you and cover well beyond recognition.
• Do not forget to carry snacks as refreshments because breakfast is eaten too early to last the entire time in the forest. Request for your lodge to make packed lunch for you before proceeding for gorilla trekking because you are not sure of returning time from the forest.

What More To Do In Volcanoes National Park Other Than Gorilla Trekking

Birding in Volcanoes National Park

More than 200 bird species are in records as residents of Volcanoes forest in Rwanda including Albertine endemics. Keen birders on gorilla trekking safari have the opportunity of identifying several bird species while in the forest.

A birding safari to Rwanda without Volcanoes forest is incomplete as there is so much to see including Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin and others.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

Golden monkeys are another endangered primate specie living in Volcanoes National Park. These monkeys differ from other monkey species because of their larger bodies and golden brown hairs at the lower bottom.

The golden monkeys are charming to be around even though they are habituated to be around humans so expect to stay on your toes almost all the time.

Guided Hike to the Dianne Fossey Grave

The final resting place of the remains of the American primatologist Dianne Fossey who spread the news about the plight of the mountain gorillas to the rest of the world is within Volcanoes National Park. She was massacred in 1985 by unknown assassins and later buried amongst the mountain gorillas who she defended to her last breath.

A walk to Dianne Fossey grave in Volcanoes National park is walking in the last steps of this gorilla hero. The funds collected from the guided hike to Dianne Fossey grave are used to support conservation of these primates.

Guided Nature walks in Volcanoes Forest

A guided walk in Volcanoes National Park gets you to see a variety of other forest inhabitants including other primates, beautiful butterflies, several plants and trees plus many more.

BooK Now